How to make a good plan

First of all, have you enlisted the support of family members, friends or professionals in your caregiving? If not, read Sharing the caring.

It’s good to work with your support team when preparing your caregiving plan. Then you can decide on who will do what and when.

Below is a list of the tasks you’ll need to consider. Try to split them so that they fit in with your personal life. Then follow your plan in the coming weeks and months.

Daily caregiving tasks:

Bathing

Dressing

Eating/Feeding

Administering medications

Grooming

Toileting

Reminding your loved one to stay active, e.g. walking

Helping with mobility, e.g. from bed to chair, if needed

Related daily tasks:

Housekeeping

Laundry

Meal planning and preparation

Shopping

Reminding yourself about medication and appointments

Other tasks:

Accompanying your loved one to appointments

Errands, mail/correspondence, phone calls (e.g. to make appointments)

Notice the difference

After planning, you’ll probably discover that your caregiving work becomes easier. You’re likely to feel more confident and in control. Your loved one will also sense that you have things under control. And that will help her or him to feel satisfied, safe and secure.